1 November 2018 – San Francisco: They came, they saw, they bid themselves into a stupor at the 15th Annual “This Old Bag” Gala, Friday October 25th at San Francisco’s Fairmont Hotel. When the fashionistas and philanthropists cleared, the result was over $ 160,000 raised for the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund (www.bcef.org) assisting low-income men and women facing breast cancer.

“What a perfect way to close out October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month” said Cynthia Hester, President of Breast Cancer Emergency Fund’s Board of Directors, noting that this year’s auction raised 20 % more than last year. “I am always at a loss for words at the incredible, creative and generous philanthropy of our supporters, and last Friday, they outdid themselves.”

The 15th Anniversary“This Old Bag: The Power of the Purse” fundraiser took place on Friday, October 25 at San Francisco’s historic Fairmont Hotel. This year, in addition to a record number of new designs and international contributions, Liam Mayclem, award-winning “Foodie Chap” of KCBS / KCBS 5, served as emcee for a variety of high end live auction items.

Since its inception in 2005, This Old Bag has sold over 2,500 bags to help Bay Area women and men during their challenging diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer. The idea: fundraising for breast cancer need not be dull. In fact, it should be fun and life-affirming. Over the last 15 years, artists, artisans, celebrities, politicians, and local fashion mavens have all been inspired by the “power of the purse,” donating glamorous, unique and one-of-a-kind handbags for the benefit of the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund.

“The average monthly income of our clients is $825,” said KarenEdwards, BCEF’s Interim Executive Director, a number that sits in stark contrast to the soaring rents in the Bay Area. “Unfortunately, a diagnosis of breast cancer often means losing your job, your insurance, and your home. Breast Cancer Emergency Fund provides a safety net that no one else provides, paying essential bills like rent, utilities, and insurance premiums that make it possible to maintain a stable living situation during treatment.”

Breast Cancer Emergency Fund exists to fill that very need: providing immediate financial assistance to low-income people battling breast cancer when they are too sick to work. Since 2001, Breast Cancer Emergency Fund has served over 4,000 people in San Francisco, Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, providing over $3.6 million dollars in assistance to help our clients maintain financial stability during a devastating illness.